Magna Carta


Magna Carta will take you on a slow, meandering journey along the prettiest stretches of the River Thames, past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages – a captivating mixture of olde worlde England and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley, with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore as we follow this old Viking trading route through some of England’s prettiest counties. During the cruise, there is a diverse programme of escorted visits along the way – art galleries, stately homes including the real “Downton Abbey”, even a boatyard that has been building traditional river craft for centuries. There are also good cycling and walking opportunities along the ever-present Thames Towpath.

Magna Carta is a hotel barge that accommodates 8 guests and is one of the finest vessels cruising the waters of the British Isles today. Originally built in the 1930’s, today she is a luxurious and spacious ‘floating country hotel’ boasting a combination of traditional and contemporary features that create a very inviting ambience on board.

There is great attention to detail with the use of fine mahogany, teak and oak woods throughout, complemented by modern amenities such as under floor heating and TV/DVD players in the cabin suites.

The large saloon and dining area feature picture windows and stylish furnishings, and the sense of refined space continues in the four very generous, air-conditioned twin/double suites, with their combination of period furniture and contemporary en suite shower rooms.

Outside you can unwind in the heated spa pool, or enjoy a mouth-watering alfresco lunch prepared by your onboard master chef as you get admiring glances from passers-by.

Magna Carta is one of the most recognised vessels navigating the Royal River Thames today and her Captain who knows the river so well, together with his doting crew, will ensure your voyage of gentle exploration is an unforgettable experience.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: 1936
  • Refurbished: 2002
  • Length: 35.6 metres
  • Beam: 5.05 metres
  • Speed: 10 knots
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 8
Ship Amenities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Underfloor Heating
  • En-Suite Faciltiies
  • Television
  • DVD Player
  • 110v Razor Socket
  • Hair Dryer
Ship Facilities
  • Saloon
  • Dining Room
  • Sun Deck
  • Spa Pool
  • Library
  • Spa Pool
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Deck 1

Deck 2

Suites Photo
The Henry VIII and Christopher Wren cabins are at the stern end of the barge and are accessed from one set of stairs leading down from the saloon.

The William Shakespeare and the Winston Churchill cabins are at the bow end of the barge and accessed from a separate set of stairs leading down from the saloon. There are three steps between the level on which the William Shakespeare cabin is located and the level on which the Winston Churchill cabin is located.

All 4 suites are equipped with ensuite facilities. 4 opening windows in each suite. Hardwood veneer up to dado rail with a light décor above. Solid hardwood doors and skirtings and wooden flooring. The Captains Cabin has a double bed and ensuite facilities.

All Suites have showers, basin and toilet. The bathrooms are fully tiles with under floor heating and heated towel rail. There is a thermostatic shower in a large tray. Wall hung contemporary basin with a single tap. There is also a window, 110v razor socket and air extractor. Towels, washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, hair dryers and bathrobes are provided.